Portret van Bernhard, hertog van Saksen-Weimar 1628 - 1670

This is Pieter de Jode’s print of Bernhard, Duke of Saxe-Weimar. The portrait's composition, enclosed within an oval frame, immediately draws the eye to the subject's upper body. The textures of the Duke's clothing are meticulously rendered. The Duke's gaze directs us beyond the immediate frame, suggesting a connection to something external. This visual strategy is a form of semiotic encoding, where the artist uses gaze to signify power and direction. Jode’s strategic use of line and form creates a sense of depth and dimension. The subject's features are highlighted and he is elevated, not just as an individual, but as a signifier of authority. The choice of engraving as a medium, with its stark contrasts and precise lines, further accentuates the subject's features and attire. This formal choice reflects a broader cultural code, associating the engraved image with permanence, authority, and historical record. Ultimately, Jode's print does more than represent the Duke; it constructs a visual language of power and legacy.